In a remarkable display of honesty and integrity, a Nigerian pilgrim from Plateau State, Hajiya Zainab, has returned the sum of $5,000 she found at the revered Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to its rightful owner—a fellow pilgrim from Russia.
The incident, which occurred during a prayer session at the Grand Mosque, has drawn widespread commendation from both Nigerian and international Hajj authorities. According to officials of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajiya Zainab discovered the misplaced envelope containing the foreign currency within the mosque premises and immediately reported it to the appropriate authorities.
After a brief verification process and collaboration with Hajj officials and mosque security personnel, the money was traced to a Russian pilgrim who had earlier reported the loss. The funds were subsequently returned, with the Russian national expressing deep gratitude for the rare act of kindness and uprightness.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Pilgrims Welfare Board praised Hajiya Zainab’s action as a shining example of the values expected of pilgrims. “This act speaks volumes of the moral and spiritual standards we advocate for during pilgrimage. Her conduct has not only honoured her state but also Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has also acknowledged the gesture, noting that such honest conduct reinforces Nigeria’s positive image among the international Muslim community during Hajj.
This selfless act by Hajiya Zainab stands as a reminder of the deeper spiritual essence of the pilgrimage—where faith, honesty, and humanity are paramount.
